JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
The Tennessee Wildlife Federation had recently announced its set of winners for this year’s 10th annual photo contest. A non-profit and independent affiliate with the National Wildlife Federation since 1946, TWF works to help conserve and spread awareness of Tennessee’s natural environment.
One of the ways it’s been doing so in recent years is through the annual photo contest, which helps the organization further spread awareness of the state’s natural beauty by releasing official yearly calendars. The contest is divided into three categories of winners, with Griffin Nagle winning for Calendar Cover Photo. Another is the People’s Choice winner, which was chosen with more than 4,000 votes. Winning that was Terry Weaver. Both of whom have been nature photographers for many years.
Local resident, Betsy Bowden, a photographer from Whitwell, has been listed as one of the 12 winning photos used as a Monthly Feature. Bowden won for her photo of warpaint shiners, a species of freshwater fish found within the Tennessee River and in various other waterways in the Southeastern United States.
“Betsy Bowden lives and works in Marion County, Tennessee. Her love for the region’s diverse wildlife inspires much of her photography, highlighting species that are often overlooked but crucial to the area’s biodiversity. Through her work and art, Betsy strives to foster connection between people and nature,” quoted TWF’s official page for the list of winners.
A total of 17 photos will be featured in the year’s upcoming 2025 calendar. Those donating $60 or more or signs up for a monthly gift of $10 or more to the organization through December 31 will receive a free copy of the new calendar while supplies last. Donations can be made through the webpage at https://tnwf.org/2025-photo-contest-winners/.
